The word "brethren" is often misspelled as "brotheren". The correct spelling follows a unique English orthography convention where the "th" sound is represented by the letters "th" instead of just "t". The IPA transcription for "brethren" is /ˈbrɛðən/, where the "th" sound is represented by the symbol "ð". This word is plural and refers to a group of brothers, especially in a religious or fraternal context, like the Brethren Church, which means the Church of the Brothers.
Brethren refers to the plural form of the noun "brother." It is primarily used in archaic or formal contexts to describe a group of male siblings or members of the same religious or social group. The term is typically associated with a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among individuals who share a common bond or affiliation.
In religious contexts, such as Christianity, brethren often refers to fellow believers or members of a specific religious order or community. It emphasizes the notion of spiritual kinship and the shared commitment to a common faith. This term is often used among Christians to address or refer to each other in a respectful and affectionate manner.
Outside of religious settings, brethren can also represent a brotherhood or fraternity among individuals who are united by a mutual interest, purpose, or profession. It denotes a sense of belonging and community among like-minded individuals who have shared experiences or goals. Whether it is within professional associations, social clubs, or other organizations, brethren signifies a close-knit bond based on common experiences, values, or profession.
In summary, the term brethren serves as a plural form of "brother," highlighting the bond between male siblings or members of the same religious, social, or professional group. It signifies a sense of kinship, unity, and common purpose among individuals who share a common affiliation or identity.
Members of the same society or profession.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "brethren" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the combination of two elements: "brothor", which means "brother", and the plural suffix "-en", indicating multiple individuals. The term "brothor" traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "brothar", which referred to a male sibling. Over time, the Old English plural form of "brother" transformed into "brethren". "Brethren" is an archaic plural form of "brother" used predominantly in religious contexts, particularly among members of Christian denominations such as the Quakers and certain Protestant groups.